Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-12-17
child, it seems palpable duty to re
duce the tax on wool.

/ do not overlook the fact that
competition between our protected
home manufacturers sometimes has
the effect of reducing the price OF
their products below the highest linn
it allowed by the tariff tax. But it
is notorious that this competition is
too often strangled by combinations
which have for their object the regu-
lation of the supply and price OF
commodities made and sold by mem
bers ofthe combination. The people
can hardly hope for any considers.
ton in the operation Of these combi-
nations to strangle competition.
These considerations are intended
only to enforce as earnest recon-
mendation that the surplus revenue
be prevented by reduction of tariff
taxation, and at the same time, en-
phasize suggestion that relief may
be had by reducing the tariff taxes
in quarters that can well afford to
relinquish some of their profits.
The recommendation cannot be
regarded as evidence Of unfriendli-
ness to any manufacturing interest,
but in this emergency the manufac
turers should surrender something
for the public good and to avert dis
aster. The advantages they have al.
ready enjoyed should induce them to
cooperate in this behalf.
A wise revision Of our tariff laws
will require great labor and care, and
especially broad and national con-
temptation of the subject, and pa
triotic disregard of such local and
selfish demands as are unreasonable
and reckless of the welfare of the en-
tire country.
The radical reduction Of the tax on
raw material is of course an impor-
tant factor in any effort to reduce
the price of these neeessaries Of life
it would not only relieve them OF
the increased cost caused by the tar
if tax on such material, but the man.
ufactored products, being thus cheap
ened, that part of the tariff now laid
upon such product, as a compensa-
tion to our manufacturers for the
present price of raw material, could
be accordingly modified.
The question thus imperativsly
presented for solution should be APP
preached in spirit higher than par
tizanship, and considered in the light
of that regard for patriotic duty
which should characterize the action
of those entrusted with the welfare
of the people. Both political part
"Shave by repeated decle rations con
uemned the condition of our laws
which collect from the people I'M
necessary revenue, and both parties
have promised TO correct the evil.
Our progress towards wise con-
cluson will not be improved by
dwelling upon the theories OF pro
lection and free trade. This savors
too much of bandying ephithets. 1t
is condition which confronts u.s.
not a theory. Relief from this con.
dition may involve slight reduction
of the advantages we have awarded
our home producers, but the entire
withdrawal of such advantages
should not be contemplated.
The simple and plain duty which
we owe the people is to reduce tax
alton to the necessary expenses ofan
economical government, and to re
store to the business of the country
the money we hold in the treasury
through the perversion of govern
mental powers. These things can
and should be done with safety to
all our industries without diminish
ing the opportunity for remunera
tive labor, aud with benefit to our
workingmen and all our people, by
cheapening their means of snbsist-
en- ce.